The Harrison County Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Coordinating Council is partnering with local organizations to hold events encouraging male participation in recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Sponsored by the Harrison County Community Foundation, the first annual Harrison County “Men against Violence against Women” rally will be held on Tuesday, October 6 from 12 to 1 p.m. on the Square in downtown Corydon. Hoosier Hills PACT, the Harrison County Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Coordinating Council, and the Corydon Rotary Club are asking that men in Harrison County illustrate their belief that men’s relationships with women must be based on honor respect, and equal power to make decisions. Banners and t-shirts will proclaim the message “Another Man against Violence against Women.” A free pizza lunch will be served and free t-shirts will be provided to the first 100 participants. Brochures and other materials addressing the issue, and providing ways in which men can work to end violence, will be available.
The first annual “Going the Distance to Prevent Domestic Violence” walk will be held on Saturday, October 10 beginning at 10 a.m. at the YMCA of Harrison County. The event, sponsored by the Harrison County Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Coordinating Council and sponsored and hosted by the YMCA of Harrison County, will feature men walking a portion of the Indian Creek Trail in women’s high heels. Held following the Limeberry Lumberjack Race, the walk will begin and end at the YMCA of Harrison County. There is no registration fee for the event. To pre-register, please call Melissa Cast at (812) 225-5437. Day of registration will also be available beginning at 9 a.m. at the Harrison County Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Coordinating Council Booth at the YMCA of Harrison County.
While everyone is invited to attend, men in particular are encouraged to participate. As a community we need to teach our young men that there is no honor in abusing a woman and that violence does not equal strength. There is more honor in taking a stand against violence by participating in the aforementioned events.
The Harrison County Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Coordinating Council is comprised of professionals and community members committed to ending family violence. For more information, please contact Council President Melissa Cast at 812-225-5437 or Vice-President Jenny Woolen at 812-738-4241.